The New Orleans Pelicans have been uncharacteristically healthy this year. When you consider who is on their team and how injuries have been a part of their roster, this is an important aspect to monitor. However, it looks like their lack of injuries and their luck in regard to this have run out. But luckily, the worst has been avoided. Regardless, this is a team that needs all of their main players and key role players healthy if they are going to hope to make a push in the NBA playoffs this year.
But do you see the talent of Zion Williamson being enough to be the main guy on a playoff-winning team?
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Concern Sees Best Outcome For Now
Brandon Ingram will see the best scenario; at least that’s what it looks like for the time being. According to Chris Haynes, Ingram was evaluated, and I had an MRI. It is revealed that he has a bone contusion in his left knee. However, his timetable to return is within 2 to 3 weeks.
New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram underwent an MRI on his left knee and it revealed a bone contusion. He’ll be re-evaluated in two weeks.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 22, 2024
Therefore, this is not a long-term concern, and he should see the court in time to make a playoff push. However, being healthy and staying on track in the meantime is going to be more of an issue. As stated, this team has mostly been healthy throughout the year, but being without one of their best talents is going to be a struggle.
New Orleans Pelicans Without Ingram
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans dropped a game to the Orlando Magic last night. Ingram only played 21 minutes. Therefore, you can expect to see players like Larry Nance Jr., Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and maybe even Matt Ryan increase their roles. But the minutes to track are those of Zion Williamson.
Williamson has done a better job of staying healthy, but this latest news could add more pressure and force him to play extended minutes beyond what he wants or what’s best for the team. Again, Ingram looks like he has an optimistic timetable to return sooner rather than later. However, the cumulative effect of losing the former Duke Blue Devil could be more than what initially meets the eye.
New Orleans Pelicans Immediate Future
This team will have an interesting set of two weeks. They are currently first in the Southwest Division, but things can change quickly in the West. Immediately, they continue their four-game road trip by visiting the Miami Heat in South Beach. Then they travel to Detroit, and then they have a six-game home stretch.
However, in those six games, they will face the Thunder, Bucks, Celtics, Suns, and Magic again. Therefore, approaching or being near .500 during this difficult stretch without Ingram would be spectacular. However, teams throughout the NBA have shown their resilience. Therefore, to monitor this New Orleans Pelican side, you need to see who steps up outside of Williamson.
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily.
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.